The document describes a low-cost upgrade for the CH-47 helicopter that would allow it to self-deploy, increase its top speed by 50% to 225 knots, and gain additional range. This would be achieved by adding removable wings with wing tanks for extra fuel, installing an off-the-shelf turbo-fan engine with a gearbox to transfer power more efficiently to the rotor at higher speeds, and attaching a lightweight carbon fiber tail cone to reduce drag during self-deployments.

1. Off-The-Shelf Turbo-Fan
Removable Wings Unload
with Gearbox to Transfer Power
Rotor for faster Cruise Speeds.
from the Drive Shafts to the Fan
Additional Fuel Carried in
as Forward Speed Increases.
Wing Tanks.
CH-47 Speed Increases
From 140 to 225 Knots
Self-Deploys in 96 hrs Light Weight Carbon Fiber
Tail Cone Attached for
Self Deployments to
Reduce Drag.
Chuck Jarnot
April 6, 2001
Low-Cost CH-47 Upgrade to Gain Self-Deployability
and 50% Greater Speed and Range